John Deere this month launched a new series of combines designed to handle high-yield corn and other tough crop conditions. The new S-Series consists of five models that range from a 271-hp Class 5 machine all the way up to a new 543-hp Class 9 model. These combines are the upsized replacements to the 70 Series launched in 2007 and incorporate extensive changes from front to back, says Tim Bauer, future marketing rep for John Deere Harvester Works....More

Corn traits of the future will be more complex genetically and will enhance existing products, such as second-generation herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant traits. Companies will continue to look at drought tolerance and nitrogen utilization. Dow AgroSciences, Monsanto, Syngenta, Pioneer Hi-Bred, and Bayer CropScience offer glimpses into their trait pipelines....More

In the last decade, plant researchers focused their efforts on corn. Now the spotlight is on soybeans. Monsanto, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Syngenta, Dow AgroSciences and Bayer CropScience discuss future traits and soybean seed products that growers may see in the next decade....More

Seed companies expect refuge-in-a-bag (RIB) products to be the hottest seed items to be sold in the next few years. Monsanto, Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred have RIB products approved for 2012 and Syngenta is awaiting approval....More

John Deere unveiled its latest S-Series combines with larger corn heads and platforms, as well as an automated unloading system called Machine Sync. The company also introduced new tractor lines — from high-horsepower 4-wd tractors to utility tractors....More

Corn rootworm damage to Bt corn in Illinois was discovered by University of Illinois entomologist Mike Gray. Earlier in August, similar root damage was found in Iowa. Experts advise growers to consider seed alternatives for 2012....More